Little Free Library is an organization based in Minnesota. LFLs are small public bookcases…read morethroughout the community with free books. The first one was built in 2009. There are approximately 150,000 in 115 countries. The goal is to take a book and donate a book. This forms community, expand access to books, and inspire readers. Ever since I start noticing these cute little libraries, I fell in love with them. They are such a great idea. I love books, reading, and the library, so something like this is inspiring and thoughtful. This LFL is located in Mills Pond Park in Canton, CT. It's right near the playground and picnic pavilion. The box is fairly new, installed in the summer of 2024. This was the work of Canton Public Library and Canton Parks and Recreation. The box is tan and green with a plaque on it stating the charter number, name, and the sponsor. "Books are uniquely portable magic." I concur.

What a great library in a rural area. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. They…read morehave a wide range of materials and if you can't find what you're looking for, they can order it for you. The place was very clean and well organized. It also has a great children's section upstairs.

For a town of its size, the collection and facilities of the public library in Woodbridge are…read moredecent. However, it clearly trails other local libraries in certain areas. Most prominently, other libraries get new books and DVDs out into circulation MUCH faster than Woodbridge. Other libraries seem to get stuff out on street date (the day it would go on sale at retail) - at Woodbridge, it almost always takes a week or two of sitting in "Tech Services" before anything goes out. When I brought this to the attention of the previous Director, she merely gave me a list of flimsy excuses. It was pretty sad, as the fact remains every other library is serving their users more efficiently. The underlying problem is that though the librarians here are fairly pleasant, there's virtually no turnover, and therefore nothing encouraging anyone to work smarter, harder, faster, etc. In addition to everything working slowly, I've noted that the librarians rarely collect late fees, especially from the older patrons - they usually say something like "you have a late fee of x, but don't worry about it if you don't have it today". What's the possible justification for not collecting late fees? To make it worse, I've on several occasions seen librarians inform a patron that they have an overdue item, and the patron say "oh, I returned that". And the librarian accepts this claim at face value, and tells the patron not to worry! I witnessed this just the other day. This encourages awful behavior and punishes the rest of us who go to pains to respect the library's collection, return items on time, pay late fees, etc.

This is a five star location because it's a library, and provides books and a safe space for the…read moremasses. But their use of metered parking has me seriously on edge. I wouldn't go to the library at a time when the meters are in effect, or park across the street by the 99 Restaurant where there are no meters. Anyway, besides that, the library is a combination of old building and newly renovated. There are ghostly rumors about the old side, where the reading room is, but they seem to be rather peaceful spirits. I would be too in such beautiful and austere surroundings. The librarians seem mostly friendly, with very tight reins. The elevators and restrooms require their engagement. I can appreciate that. There is a security presence in the building but they fly below the radar.

Worse experience ever. The staff is loud and do not use their indoor voices. They can be heard…read moretalking and laughing that has nothing to do with the job. Patrons come into the library and are loud. They use their phones. They eat and drink, spilling soda all over the computer. They are regulars and are very disrespectful and downright abusive. The staff sees it happening. and says nothing. If you are looking for a library that's quiet, this is not the place you want to go to.

This Little Free Library is located in Norton Park, in Plainville, CT. It's right near the…read moreplayground. Another pleasant surprise to stumble upon one. This was is so pretty and well painted. There was even a little bench connected to it. There is a plaque that says: "Plainville High School National English Honor Society with the Banned. Est. 2023." It was built by the Plainville High School Advanced Construction Technology class and the Environmental Club. It was painted by the classes of 2034 and 2035 at Linden Street School. The only minor issue was, it didn't have any books in it. I will make note to bring some books here next time.

Thomaston is a cute former factory town. There is still a running train as part of their Train…read moreMuseum. The town was originally part of Plymouth, and known for cheaper clockmaking. The town got the Thomaston for Seth Thomas, reasonably well know clock maker, although his company apparently no longer run in the United States. The actual town is pretty walk-able with lots of sidewalks, and room for parallel parking. They have some decent restaurants like Crabby Als, and an opera house for theater. Further from the historical side, they have lots of plazas with parking (and multiple pizza shops). There are entrances and exits from Route 8 bookending the commercial center of the town.

The New Haven Free Public Library is a very cool building designed by Cass Gilbert of New York and…read morebuilt between 1908 and 1911. The colonial revival structure is set back from the street and blends in with the 19th century architecture, including that of the church on the green. As an adult, it brings back childhood memories of my fascination with the variety of the layout of the various rooms. Many things have been modernized, but just walking in and looking around at the magnitude of shelves and shelves of books still brings joy to my quest for learning something new every day.

I am old fashioned in the sense that I still would rather walk into a public library and check out…read morebooks, instead of downloading them on a device or buying them. NHPL is a large library located downtown on the green, but somewhat outdated in the decor. A librarian there once told me that they have a huge number of "lost" books that people never return and never pay the fees for...guess it is difficult to chase down these missing books after a while. Late fees are reasonable too...20 cents per day, per book. Parking can be a pain (got a ticket once when I went in for 5 minutes to grab a book). Luckily, Yale lot 51 is right next door and offers free evening and weekend parking. They have a lot of free programs/speakers for adults and children. They also have many computers for use with your library card number as a log-in. You can use the internet, do some research and look up specific books that are available at any of the branches. They also have free museum and theater passes that can be checked out for discounts and free admission.

Local run library - community driven and loved. Staff is helpful…read moreKind book lovers. Children programs to adult programs plentiful. Supports local artist and travelers

I had often passed by the library on my way to Litchfield center, and never thought to stop in…read more Then I received an invitation to a writing workshop here and made my first visit. It's everything a library should be--roomy, full of books, great AV room, great staff, interesting displays, and most importantly, welcoming. Worth a stop by to see what's going on.

Some interesting Durham history nuggets:…read more The land was bought from the "Long Swamp" Indians in 1673. One of Colonial America's earliest lending libraries was founded here in 1733. The starving troops at Valley Forge were fed by supplies carried from Durham to Pennsylvania by two oxen from Durham. Austin, Texas was named for Durham's Moses Austin. Metal toy and box factories! The wonderful Durham fair goes back to 1916. This is a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It has the same inscription on both sides. It's located on a green in front of Town Hall and the library, near the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue. The marker was dedicated in 1979 and although the paint is in excellent condition, the marker and support posts have been whacked by something (a car or a tree limb?) and you can see a very noticeable split at the bottom of the sign. That's a shame, because there is some very cool stuff highlighted on the marker.